Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re craving a quick dinner with bold flavor and effortless style, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deserve a spot in your repertoire. Tender chicken thighs are marinated, air-fried to juicy perfection, and smothered in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s downright addictive. The combination of sweet chili, a dash of honey, and just enough heat makes every bite a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning to impress guests or jazz up a weeknight meal, there’s something so fun and satisfying about serving up these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—especially when everyone wants seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in their simplicity—every ingredient brings something special, from texture to a burst of zippy flavor. Gather these essentials for a dish that pops with color and taste.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for unbeatable tenderness and juicy, flavorful bites every time.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning hug every morsel of chicken.
• Paprika: Brings a gentle smoked warmth and vibrant color to each skewer.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a savory backbone that melts beautifully into the marinade.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all those tasty flavors—don’t shy away.
• Black Pepper: A touch of pepper rounds everything out with a gentle bite.
• Mayonnaise: The base for that creamy, luscious Bang Bang sauce that coats each piece.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a unique balance of sweetness and tang with a subtle spicy kick.
• Hot Sauce: Go as bold as you like—this ingredient turns up the heat to your favorite level.
• Honey: Just a little drizzle softens the heat and gives the sauce an irresistible gloss.
• Extra Salt (for the sauce): Keeps flavors balanced and the sauce perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Cube the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform is the secret to perfectly even cooking, so take the time to get them right. This step not only promises juicy results but sets the stage for those gorgeous charred edges later!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Massage the marinade in with your hands or a spatula so every piece gets coated in that delicious blend. Cover and let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this lets the flavors soak deep into the meat and makes every bite worth the (short) wait.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken marinates, create the irresistible sauce that gives Bang Bang Chicken Skewers their signature flavor. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, your chosen hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy—you’ll want to taste it (and maybe double the batch for extra dipping!).

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers, spacing them just slightly apart. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes first so they don’t burn in the air fryer. Spacing out the chicken allows hot air to circulate for even browning—plus, it makes them look extra inviting.

Step 5: Brush on the Sauce

Generously brush each skewer with some of your freshly made Bang Bang sauce. This step caramelizes during cooking, creating a gorgeously sticky coating on the chicken. Don’t be afraid to slather it on—there’s plenty left for serving!

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. This ensures even cooking and a little char on the edges. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through. You’re looking for golden brown chicken cubes that reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Finish With More Sauce

Once your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are hot and sizzling, brush them again with more Bang Bang sauce while they’re still piping hot. This final layer adds extra shine and flavor—just what every skewer needs before it hits your plate.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your skewers to a serving plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of sesame seeds for a simple yet striking finishing touch. Don’t forget extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping—because more is always better here!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Garnishing these skewers takes just a minute but is so worth it. A handful of chopped parsley gives a fresh pop of green, while toasted sesame seeds add a gentle crunch. If you want to elevate things even further, thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of chili flakes will make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers look straight out of a restaurant.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or even simple grilled veggies for a perfectly balanced meal. The creamy, tangy sauce shines next to anything fresh and light, so cucumber salad or steamed broccoli also make excellent sidekicks. Feeling extra hungry? Tuck the chicken into soft pita wraps with lettuce for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers atop a platter with small bowls of extra sauce, so guests can help themselves. Mini skewers make a fantastic appetizer, or you can even slide the chicken off the sticks and layer it over salad bowls for a picnic-style lunch. However you serve them, these skewers always steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. Thanks to the sauce, the chicken stays moist for up to 3 days and still tastes amazing warmed up for lunch or another round of snacks.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, the cooked chicken (sauce-free) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the chicken cool, place the skewers (or just the cubes) on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with sauce.

Reheating

To bring your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers back to full glory, reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed and edges crisp back up. Add a fresh brush of Bang Bang sauce before serving—you’ll hardly notice they were made ahead!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they can be a little less juicy than thighs. Just monitor the air frying time so the chunks don’t dry out, and always check for doneness.

What kind of hot sauce is best for the Bang Bang sauce?

Sriracha is a classic choice for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, but any favorite hot sauce will add the right amount of zing. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Can I grill these instead of air frying?

Yes, these skewers are delicious on the grill! Preheat the grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning and basting with sauce as you go.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Great news—just check your mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce labels for hidden gluten. Most brands are already gluten-free, but the sauce is where gluten might sneak in.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead for a party?

Absolutely. Marinate and thread the chicken ahead of time and store the skewers in the fridge until ready to cook. The sauce can be mixed up the day before too, making party prep a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite for any occasion. With bold flavor, easy prep, and major wow-factor, you’ll love sharing them with family and friends. Don’t forget to keep a little extra sauce on the side—these truly are irresistible!

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